Luis
,
13

Every day is a struggle for our son, the most common thing like stepping out of bed can be a huge obstacle for him. Most days are filled with pain and frustration. But he perseveres, he digs down deep and sets mini goals throughout his day, " if I make down the stairs I can eat something... if I make it to the bus stop then I can go to school...etc.

During his wish trip, he was a whole different Luis. He glowed with positive energy and he showed a strength I've never seen before. It was like a dream, unreal. He walked for miles every day, he trained Judo, and he even hiked up a mountain! There was even a day when he physically could not walk and required a wheel chair, but his spirit and positive attitude was not compromised; not one bit. He was always pumped and ready for his next adventure.

There was no pain on his wish trip, no mini goals to accomplish, no frustration, no doctors or ERs, no anger, no sadness, no depression; just happiness, and adventure! It was truly unbelievable.

MAW and its volunteers have redefined how we see Hope. Complete strangers who give their money, understanding and time for just one very special boy is an amazing miracle. Knowing that MAW exists and cares, gives our sense of Hope the most strength it’s ever had.

He’s a different kid now. He has bigger goals and higher expectations for his future. This trip changed all our lives and we have vowed to be better people because of it. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

I had an awesome time during the wish trip. It was an experience that I will never forget and one day I hope to go back to Japan again! The trip made me so happy because I got to be myself and I didn’t have to think about doctors. Every day was super awesome. I did everything I wanted to do during the trip and every place we went was really cool!

My most memorable moment was when we hiked Mt. Takao. It was difficult hiking the mountain but once I reached the top I felt so accomplished. The anime, food, games and rides at J-World were amazing. The Naruto walk-through maze was really cool and the dragon ball z simulator felt like I was actually there! That is a place I will never forget!

We visited the Pokémon Center, Ueno Zoo, the sword museum, different districts and a sushi place where I tried my first piece of sushi. Our guides were really nice and helpful people and it would have been hard going throughout Tokyo without them. We went to a Shonen Jump shop, which was awesome because they had merchandise that they don’t have in America. At the Kodokan, my dad, my brother and I went to a judo class. We went to Tokyo Disney Sea. I have been to Disney World but it is nothing like Disney Sea. It was super awesome with all different rides and themes. My favorite was the Indiana Jones ride.

Thank you making this amazing experience possible for me! I took away with me beautiful and happy memories that will stay with me during my toughest times! Thank you.